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11.09.2016

The America We Want

Today I woke up to the news that Donald Trump was going to be our new president. I was sad and scared and angry and confused. So many people in the U.S. are at risk under this new administration and I was at a loss for what to do to make the world make sense again.

I needed to shake that feeling of grief and turn that negative energy into something positive. So I'm asking everyone to pledge to do something today. And tomorrow. And the next day. Every day. For the next four years. And beyond. Do something to make America into the America we want.

Do something. Anything. Big or small. Make a donation to Planned Parenthood. Volunteer at an LGBT+ homeless shelter. Sit next to your Muslim neighbor on the bus. Call out that sexist joke your uncle made. Teach your children to stand up to bullies. Hug a friend. Something. Anything. Just do something every day.

Every day think of something you can do to make America #theAmericawewant.

Trump and Pence said they want to make America great again, but I don't want to be a part of a country that they think is great. That is not the America I want. But as tempting as it is to just pack my bags and move to Canada, I'm not going to abandon my friends who are Muslim or Jewish or People of Color or LGBT+ or members of any other marginalized group that will be hurt by "President Trump." I will fight for you. We can actually make America great. We are stronger together.

Will you join me?

Every day think of something you (and others) can do to give back or to help or support someone who may be hurt by the results of this election. Go on social media and share an idea or a link to an organization or event. Or just tell everyone what #theAmericawewant looks like to you.

(But please, don't post exploitative stuff like sharing photos of some homeless guy you just gave five bucks to. This isn't about patting yourself on the back for doing the bare minimum. This is about giving others hope for ways to not only survive the next four years, but thrive during the next four years.)